Football Preview- Defensive Tackle Eddrick GilmoreIn our continuous coverage of the North Texas two-deep roster we flip back over to the defensive side of the ball and take a look at senior defensive tackle Eddrick Gilmore.

Eddrick Gilmore

Height: 6-5

Class: Senior

Signed: In 2005 from Alief Hastings High School

2008 Key Stat: 6. That being the number of pass breakups Gilmore had in 2008, which led the team. He was forced to split time between DE and DT last year because of injuries and lack of team-size up front. Gilmore eventually moved back to end where he finished with a team-leading three sacks for -18 yards in only nine games. He also used his great leaping ability to block two kicks.

Why he will start: Gilmore will have to make strides in training camp to prove he can start at defensive tackle. He has the ideal size to help up front (6’5, 240) but must be motivated from the get-go in order to impress the coaches. Gilmore brings experience as a senior and has lots of raw talent. He needs to show he can bring it for a full 48 minutes.

Why he won’t start: If he gets off to a slow start in camp others will be waiting in line to take his playing time. North Texas will be bringing in three new defensive tackles that will be hungry at the bit.

Overall: In talking to first-year defensive line coach Mike Nelson, he believes Gilmore can absolutely help the Mean Green in his final season at North Texas. “He’s going to have to learn that three-technique. He won’t be moving back and forth like he did last season. He’s going to play tackle at his size. We need the intensity that he’s shown consistently week-to-week.”